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Top Crimefighter Joins CWU’s Law and Justice Advisory Board

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Sue Rahr, director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, has joined Central Washington University's Law and Justice Department Advisory Board. She is the former King County Sheriff--the first woman elected to that position in its 155-year history.

"It’s fantastic to have such an outstanding member of the law and justice community on our board," said Charles Reasons, professor and chair of CWU's Law and Justice Department. "In addition to being a well-respected officer who has risen through the ranks of law enforcement, Rahr provides an important role model for the young women in our program."

Rahr has been in law enforcement for 32 years. At the beginning of her career, she spent five years on patrol and in undercover narcotics. She was promoted to sergeant and supervised patrol and later, special units in burglary, criminal warrants, and special assault Units. She later served as the commander of the internal investigations, gang units, and special investigations. After seven years as King County’s top law enforcement officer, Rahr stepped down in March to assume the role of director of the Criminal Justice Training Commission. Rahr graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in criminal justice.

The Law and Justice Advisory Board is comprised of 19 alumni and community partners. The board apprises the department on developments in the field, provides information on internships and job opportunities, and advises the department on new and essential curriculum.

CWU’s Law and Justice Department is one of the largest in Washington State. The majority of cadets with degrees attending the Washington State Patrol Training Academy are graduates of the program. In addition, thousands of CWU Law and Justice graduates are pursuing law enforcement and justice careers throughout the Pacific Northwest.